genessia | video; also on television and in person if you're in nova city

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video; also on television and in person if you're in nova city

[ Weiss has done a lot in this city and world. She's built her own connections, and she has plenty of them so when she needs back-up musicians for a charity concert it's honestly not that hard to get them together quickly. Nor is it difficult to get a camera crew there for a free charity concert. Donations are optional and can be as low or high as you want, everyone is welcome. The banner that's over town center reads "NOVA IS EVERYONE'S: A LOW-INCOME HOUSING FUNDRAISING CONCERT" She's raising money to help more people be able to afford to live in Nova outside of little holes in the wall. The rich got more living spaces, and that's not how she wants this city to be- a place where only the uppercrust and those pooling their money together can afford. She wants it to be for everyone. On the television, the reporter explains that the City Guardian is hosting and unexpectedly performing and, curiously, seems to have billed herself simply as "Weiss" as a featured artist, leaving out her last name.

There are a couple of other acts ahead of time, all taking place in front of a large mirror that covers the full stage so you can see the musician's backs and yourself in the audience, but eventually Weiss takes the stage. Her piano that Jaune and Dave refurbished for her half a year ago is rolled onto the outdoor stage when it's her turn, and she takes a seat at it. She doesn't greet anyone or explain anything, she just begins playing, then singing. It's beautiful, and the audience seems to quiet down as she does sing. There are other instruments played by other musicians behind her on the stage-- strings, percussion-- classical instruments typically reserved for the upper class. That is until two minutes and twenty seconds into the song, the last part her father heard at his last charity concert featuring her, when stage ninjas bring all of the other musicians electrical guitars and the drummer certainly changes his tune. It's a rock song now.

Weiss stands up, leaving the piano behind her, but approaches the front of the stage as she sings, belting her lyrics out and really becoming more.. alive, than the stiffness she started with at the piano. She's moving with the music, and at some point she starts taking her jewelry off-- they're the jewelry she arrived with, the ones her father bought her. Ridiculously expensive, despite being small and delicate, and she walks over to the edge of the stage where the guy collecting charity is and drops them onto the table, raising her hand up after she does and the song finishes. She didn't need a mic the whole time, her voice is powerful, stronger than she looks. At the end of the song, that abrupt end, the mirror behind the stage completely shatters and falls down behind the stage (luckily there's a very clear panel keeping the gap between the stage and the musicians safe, no worries, it's just for kickass stage effects).

She can stand on her own, and she will, no matter who the mayor is or how much he tries to worm his way into her life when she can't run anymore. It takes a moment for her to catch her breath, but at the end of the song, the whole world is going to see what was once a very rare sight: Weiss Schnee, smiling like she means it, before she stands up straight again and accepts a mic from one of the volunteers. ]

We're here today to raise money to make sure Nova City's a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of how much they make or where they come from as long as they want to be a part of this city without causing harm. This place has become a home to me, even if I'm not from here. Let's not let anyone take that from any of us.

[ That's all she says. Very simple, before they go back to perform other songs. You can watch the full thing on television or just head over to Nova, but Weiss wanted to make absolutely certain that her part was recorded for the network. There's a number for making donations over the phone as well. ]

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[He's never heard this song before.

Jaune stands at the very front, wearing a baby blue t-shirt he haphazardly wrote WEISS ~~SCHNEE~~ IS THE ROCK QUEEN on in black paint and covered in sparkly white glitter. He didn't realize how right he would be.

He stands there, holding his breath and his whole body seeming to vibrate with nervous energy as he waits for her to start. He definitely notices the piano and he feels a surge of warmth. Her voice and the instruments are the only sounds he hears, and he sucks in a quick, inaudible breath, having to blink a few times because the lights are just that bright. It's better than anything he had been imagining. Part of what makes Weiss stand out isn't just the beauty of her voice, but her ability to reflect every emotion, from the subtle to the most powerful in her lyrics and melody. She is a force to be reckoned with, someone who, despite seeming small and delicate, will always be her own person and not be trapped by pretty walls and poisonous words. He stares at her in complete, unrestrained awe. She's the only person he is willing to follow.

The mirror shatters and he feels something inside him mend, his eyes too bright as he stares up in pride, witnessing her smile. She's beautiful. She's not a snow angel, or an heiress. She's Weiss.

He has the self-discipline to remain quiet for her short speech, but as soon as she's done and before the next song starts, he's screaming and cheering, until the audience roars with applause. It takes a while to die down, and once it does, Jaune donates a generous amount and sneaks backstage to find Weiss.]

[ Weiss is just back here drinking like ten thousand water bottles thanks. IT'S SO FREAKING HOT STILL and she's on her way to ask the stage manager if they can get some hover cars to spray water over the audience between sets. She just finishes when she spots Jaune. She was going to thank him again but that shirt. She just quirks an eyebrow at him. ]

Have you been wearing that all day or..?

[Shaking his head, Jaune takes it off. Look it's hot and it's probably sweaty by now.]

Only since I heard there was going to be a concert. I had to sharpie out the Schnee when I heard the reporter say your name.

[She looks hot, so he raises his hand to try and shoot some water her way.]

You were amazing up there.

[Whenever there's some kind of event going on in Nova City, there's a 99% chance that Gale will show up to it. He was going to work at Hangar Queen today and is decked out in the uniform for it, but he was content on getting there late to see what the event was all about. He was still a reasonable distance from the crowd, leaning on his motorcycle's handlebars while listening to the performers. And then Weiss came on.

Gale had every intention of donating anyway, but after that fantastic display from Weiss, he couldn't help but feel obligated to add to his original intended amount. He couldn't help himself after seeing the sheer energy and effort that Weiss clearly put into this even in the blistering heat, and that smile on her face could melt anyone's heart.

He'd join in on the applause after her performance, and when that finally died down, he'd be pulling out his phone to make a donation that way. A pretty sizeable one at that, given the amount of money that accumulated in his bank account over the past near 15 months of After Life's business. For that amount, he kinda had no choice but to phone in the donation because honestly no one in their right mind would carry that kinda cash on them. It's not like he had any idea what to do with that money anyway, so might as well throw it at charity.]

[Jacques, of course, is in attendance for his daughter's concert. The dropping of her family name has left him miffed to say the least, but he has to make an appearance; it's his daughter, the beloved face of Nova City. Before she even performs, he has written a rather generous check - he's the mayor now, so he can't skimp out. Besides, he's been collecting money from his son for the past couple of months and he's not paying rent, so he has the extra dough. He makes sure there's a camera on him while he fills it out, his name is large and legible, so that the people know just how generous a man he is before watching from the best seat in the house.

His eyes widen when he hears her sing. That bitch. She said she couldn't sing! His hand clenches into a fist, rage simmering, but manages to keep a smile on his face for the beginning of the song, lest the camera be on him for even a second. It's a pretty song. Classical feel, her voice, beautiful as ever.... and then the guitar kicks in and his jaw hits the floor. That was not the type of music he ever permitted her to listen to, much less perform. It seems he's been too lax with her in his time here.

As soon as the song is finished and he applauds the necessary amount of time, he makes a beeline for backstage, smiling and answering a few questions from journalists along the way about how proud he is of his daughter and yes, this was indeed a joint-effort between the Guardian and Mayor offices and they could expect much more cooperation between the two offices to make the city a better place so long as they were both in power.

And then he's backstage, and he gives Weiss a hug, grip tighter than necessary so she knows he's not pleased.]

That was wonderful, dear.[He leans back, hand still gripping her arm, and glances over at the collector, her jewels on the top of his pile.] I'll be sure to get those back for you after the concert has ended. You shouldn't be so careless with them; they cost a fortune.

[There's still a smile on his face - it's a public setting, after all - but from the look in his eyes he's pretty angry.]

Now, when were you going to tell me that you could sing again? I could have used your voice ages ago to hold a charity concert of my own and gain a following.

[ OH M GOD WHY DO YOU KEEP GETTING HER WET JAUNE. ]

Jaune, am I wearing a color that says "Please get me wet"?

[ SHES WEARING WHITE YOU SHIT. ]

[ Weiss is busy backstage and trying to find things to assist with (and getting soaked by Jaune and his crusade to ruin her clothing). So she doesn't come out to go find him, but they have been giving her updates on donations so when she gets a big one with Gale's name on it, she texts him. ]

Thank you. :)

[HE'S HELPING :D]

Is that a trick question? [He says, while casually raising the same weapon to sprinkle over his head like a water hose.]

You always wear the same color.

I'm aware that they cost a fortune.

[ Her voice is clipped when she speaks. She's still not sure how despite that she can handle a chainsaw to her abdomen, her father's grip always seems to be so much more painful than anything anyone else has thrown at her. ]

And they've been donated. [ She can tell he's pretty angry, but honestly, at this point she's been nothing but happy- free. She's been trying and she finally has gained something back from this world despite everything that she's lost, and he's here to make it about him. Which part of it was- doing her own charity concert, making him hear about it through the grapevine like everyone else, it even being about giving money to low-income housing to make Nova less of a socialite's paradise, and choosing the full version of that song that's basically a giant 'I'm done with you Father': the song? The only thing she could've done to make it a bigger insult would've been to makeout with Sun on stage, but she wouldn't make something as precious to her cheapened to fight with her father. But she doesn't want to back down. He's made it clear that he's not going to keep quiet, he's going to keep pressing until she can't escape him, so she needs to make it clear that he can be mayor or sign up as a zoo-keeper and make a Weiss exhibit and she's still not going to follow him. ]

I was able to restore it last night with Jaune's help and haven't slept in order to get this live concert up as a guerrilla-live if I had to. I can host my own charity concerts.

I don't, but thank you for not noticing. I wear blues and sometimes creams and combinations with bits of black and red as well, or silver sometimes.

[ Her hand is going up to cover her top. ]

White and water don't get along though, Jaune.

It's a generalization. You mostly wear white just like I mostly wear...nevermind.

[Rolling his eyes.]

Would you rather be hot?

[ As part of the talent agency, Mariko was alerted to the concert ahead of time so she can prepare and be among the performers. She may not have been pretty loud about it, but Mariko's been working on her way up the celebrity ladder, and this sounds like a golden opportunity to get more time to shine in front of a much larger audience than she's used to. Mariko remembers briefly meeting Weiss when she was two years younger, during the first time she got taken to Genessia. While their exchange was brief, Weiss' voice is pretty memorable.

Mariko volunteers to help with hair and makeup, and just finished up on her bandmate before she sees Weiss arrives at the dressing room backstage. With Weiss' position as Guardian, and having family here who runs a large company and apparently the city, Mariko is momentarily starstruck. The Schnees are a pretty big deal here. Luckily she catches herself being so, and snaps out of it before asking Weiss: ]

You have someone coming to take care of you, or...? I mean, I'm here now and everyone else is busy. And a robot.

[ Mariko quips at being the only human make-up artist that she can see. She did her own make-up, and styled her short hair to give itself a textured look that matches the feel of her outfit, which is nothing too crazy but still fitting for a rock musician like her. ]

It's quite rare for Sonico to attend a musical performance where she is not also a performer - she has done so many since arriving here. When she was correct in her guessing that Weiss was indeed Weiss, Sonico was all the more excited to hear her. She whooped and clapped with the rest of the crowd and, when it was all over, she would make her way to the stage to find some way to see Weiss to congratulate her.

Yes, hot and dry and functional.

[ She flicks her hand so she gets some of the dripping water in his face before ringing out her hair. ]

I don't think you realize how long it takes for my hair to dry without a blower, Jaune.

[ Weiss had once been the type to let others do things for her. She'd had makeup artists before, but she'd become a very independent person.

However, sometimes Jaune Arc was a thing. So she might notice that her hair's barely drying properly because she has so much of it, and it's drying in weird clumps because Jaune's her idiot friend who thought he was being helpful which she appreciates but also she has to go back out, come on now. ]

If you want to do that while I dry my hair, I wouldn't say no. [ A beat, then she adds. ] Do you have experience with makeup? [ Just.. to make sure that she's not some random fan who's offering or someone who got made up by someone else. She knows she's seen her before, but it's been a while. ]

[ Weiss would've happily invited her to perform if it hadn't been immediately after she'd gotten her voice back. Though she had no desire for a career in entertainment anymore, she wanted to make sure that her voice rang out more loudly than anyone else's that day. Sonico was a lot of peoples' favorites, so for at least the first charity concert, Weiss wanted to be the center of attention. Plus, it was harder to get a celebrity like Sonico through her agent at such a last minute. Guerilla gigs were definitely harder to plan. But next time, for sure, she'd invite Sonico.

For now, she's just glad that she made it. Weiss spots her and hops off of the stage after her performance. She's her own bodyguard, she's not worried about being near the audience. ]

Sonico, you made it!

You know what's functional and wet? Me. Jaune Arc. I manage just fine.

[He just rolls his eyes.]

You're exaggerating. I've had hair long enough for braids and a wolftail and it's not that hard.

Edited 2017-07-11 02:48 (UTC)

Anytime, Weiss. ♥

You gonna be performing again? I'd hate to leave town and end up missing it.

[Another performance might even get another (smaller) donation out of him. He really has no idea what to do with that cash.]

*Sonico isn't usually one for hugs. She's never been one of those touchyfeely people, and she didn't understand people who just gave others hugs whenever they felt like it. Still, though, in this circumstance, Sonico was very pleased for her friend, and what better way to show with a hug? It's warm and friendly, but doesn't last very long*

Weiss! That was wonderful! I had no idea you had such a voice! Oooh it was great! Such a beautiful tone!

Later today or in the future?

Yeah, I worked at part-time as a make-up artist back home. During high school and in college.

[ Because no way in hell she'd work in retail, even part-time. But make-up and hairstyling is kind of a hobby of Mariko ever since she was young. A hidden depth that wouldn't be obvious at a first glance given how she seems to come off as a tomboy who doesn't care about such things.

Mariko gestures to the open chair in front of the vanity mirror while she gets prepped, glancing up at Weiss' reflection and already starting her inspection of Weiss' face. She notices the scar on Weiss' left eye, not remembering seeing it there once. ]

Right before this world decided to yank me back here for a second time.

Did you not care for them? If you told me I would have exchanged them for another more to your liking rather than have some pauper wear something that's way too nice for their grubby hands. [Message not received.]

[He keeps his voice low, in case anyone might be nearby.]

I'm aware that you are able to hold your own concerts, but have you considered how this makes me look? I've been telling everyone that we're a dynamic duo and then you go off on your own - with no notice to me, mind you; I had to cancel dinner plans when I heard from someone on my staff, and no from you personally - and pull this! How is the public supposed to see that we are not only capable but willing to work together if you can't even be bothered to plan the concert with me, to have me help present it and announce you to the audience? This is exactly why you should have let me tutor you; you don't think before you do; you see the trees, and not the forest as a whole. We're a team, you and I, and you need to start acting like it and listen to me. I know what's best.

[ She's managing to keep herself calm even as he just doesn't get it. At least, at the start. Her fingernails are digging into her palms so hard they'd be leaving marks if she didn't clear them with her aura, and her locked jaw as he speaks is firm. Right up until he says "We're a team" and then "I know what's best." ]

Are you... missing the point on purpose? I didn't tell you because I didn't want you involved. I'll work with you on things as my job requires me to, but you made one thing very clear when you ran for mayor of the city I've made into a home without even asking me how I felt about it: We're not a team. I have my voice back now, and I'm going to be the only one who chooses how to use it. In case you didn't notice, this is who I am. This is how I've succeeded- by doing what I believe is right and putting everything I have forward even if it's a risk. [ She takes a deep breath. Calm down Weiss, calm down. You're in public, and while not actively sucking up to the mayor is one thing, starting a public fight with him is another. ] I see the trees and the forest, Father. The difference is, I'd prefer not to set it on fire.

Congratulations on holding four to five inches of wet hair up without having to put a ton of work into it. Try three and a half feet and then we'll talk.

It was at least eight, just so you know. And I'm not going to do that because I don't want to outdo you. [He runs a hand through his hair as if to make his point.]

[ Weiss is very much not a hug fan, reserving them mostly for her sister and Klein. But Sonico doesn't constantly pester her or do something to particularly deserve her scorn, so she at least doesn't get told to buzz off. ]

Thank you. Jaune.. gave me two of his charms, so I was able to get it back. [ She can't help looking happy about that. Jerk sometimes or not, he's still a great friend to her. ] I'd love to sing a duet with you sometime.

You needed charms to get it back?

*Sonico frowns softly at that, not understanding*

Was it taken from you...?

*Because if was, that is a really very horrible possibility*

But good for Jaune. He must be a great friend. And yes, a duet would be a lot of fun!

Try multiplying that weight about 5 or 6 times.

An unfortunate consequence of being given a second chance at life here. I refuse to give up memories, so.. it was one of few options, since I wasn't using it much for anything other than enjoyment too and I'd already given up other things for different reasons.

[ She nods. ] He and Dave were the ones who gave me that piano too, for while I couldn't sing. I hadn't practiced since I was young, but it gave me an outlet. It's still nothing like singing though.

Nah, that would require math. Besides, I wouldn't even notice. ...So can I braid yours?

A second chance at life... I understand.

*But that was something that she didn't know about before, and she felt a little bashful to know about it now. But she nods and smiles because Weiss at least seems quite positive now*

Well, it's really great that you have your voice, and I'm glad that you have good friends looking out for you.

Hope do you run a business?

[ business involves money involves math.. ]

If you can't respect the long hair, you can't touch it.

Don't know. Mostly I just wing it and hope for the best.

I respect it. I stopped getting you wet, didn't I?

That was rhetorical.

Just because you haven't tried since the last time I yelled at you doesn't mean I believe you understand.

Well I still felt like retorting.

It's not like trying again would convince you. I think you just don't trust me to braid your hair.

[ She can't even be mad at him for it being the wrong word because it still makes sense and just ended up being some nice word play. Weiss is pretty sure he doesn't realize that but still. Uhg. She just rolls her eyes. ]

You are absolutely right.

[ Wait, hold up. That song was actually about her? He just thought it was supposed to be a good message for the kids or whatever nonsense people went for these days. Jacques' silent for a moment as this dawns on him; he's in public, he can't shout, and boy is it killing him. He closes his eyes before speaking to her, prepping a dramatic glare. ]

You think you're some hotshot for bringing the Schnee name fame here? Why, because you were able to make it such a big company in a world that practically throws money out windows? [ He's seen how people dress here, the things they buy. No way should so many peasants be able to live the way they do here.

His eyes flash open and yup there's that dramatic glare.]

You're nothing. So the people love you, big deal. You have money, you have power, and what do you do with it? Give it to worthless, penniless imbeciles! Have I taught you nothing? Donate some every now and again, keep up appearances, but don't ever donate something actually valuable.

But you know what? You're right, we're not a team. I am your father. I don't need to ask permission to do things, especially from you. You, on the other hand, are my daughter and you need to ask permission from me. You obey me. I don't know what they taught you at Beacon but you've been far more disobedient ever since you began attending there, and if I ever see that damned Ozpin again I'll shut him down before he can even think of building another school of savagery!

[It's possible his voice is a little louder than he intended it to be.]

You may think that you're your own woman, but remember, everything you are is because of me. You belong to me.

[ It's the same thing she's known all these years, except he's never said it outright. Not like this. It's almost refreshing, to have him finally admit that that's how he thinks of her. No double-meanings, no 'grounding' or anything like that. Just clarity. It makes her so, so angry, and she ends up stepping toward him, her finger out and pointed squarely at his chest. ]

Try to treat me like I am and I'll void your lease. I've already sold the mansion, and you can't come near my home. You don't own me anymore. I left home on purpose, I left home knowing that General Ironwood was closing the border and I was glad because that meant you couldn't follow me you selfish, arrogant, twisted man. But don't worry, Father.

[ Weiss lowers her hand and narrows her eyes. It's a good thing she's close, as she can speak through gritted teeth instead of saying this very loudly. ] I didn't donate anything of actual value. Not that you'd be able to recognize that if it smacked you in the face or Mother might've gotten through to you during one of your fights you keep thinking no one hears.

[ Back up, Jacques. Do it. She's not going to back down. ]

[He ain't backing down. Jacques Schnee will not be pushed around by his daughter of all people.

He still can't shout, though, so his voice is more like a growl.]

How dare you speak to me like that! I am your father, and you will show me respect! I don't know what's come over you recently, but it needs to cease immediately. We're stuck together now where we have to work together, but when we get home don't you ever come back. You'll be the one who's not allowed near the house.

Jacques' not too concerned about the mention of him not being allowed near the house currently; thanks to the barrier breach he can easily have that voided. He was going to hold off on it, try to make amends somewhat, but now? Now he's just waiting for the perfect moment.]

Act respectably and we'll talk. You posture and preen, but the only respect you have is what grandfather earned our family name. You may have more money, but that isn't respect.

[ If she wasn't so angry, she might look amused right then. She doesn't back down either, narrowing her eyes firmly and gripping her fists at her side. Then she takes a deep breath. She's not him. She doesn't have to be angry, she can be cool. Once upon a time she hated being called ice queen, but since then she's learned a few things: maybe it's cold, maybe it can break, but ice always melts and it can always reform under the right conditions. Ice will always find a way to be ice again, and even if there's so much anger and pain inside as she argues with him right now, the coldness is going to help her from losing herself and having a freakout in public. So, rather than stay in his face, she takes a step away and turns her back to him, her voice icy when she speaks. ]

I left expecting you to fully disown me then. I already know who my real family is, and it doesn't include you.

[ He really thought he had her when she turned around but apparently she was going to be a little bitch. He really doesn't understand where he went wrong. Whitley was such a good child; why didn't Weiss turn out more like him?

It takes all of his will not to grab her and spin her around, but there are just too many people around. He hisses out his words as someone runs past them. ]

Money is power in this world, much more so than respect. Money can buy you anything you desire, and it's much easier to get than respect. I have some people that respect me, sure, but the money is the main motivator for people. Something you would know if you weren't off being an entitled brat. That supposed family you have? They'll leave you once your money runs dry, and believe me, it'll dry up fast without me to back you. So you have fun while you're here, dear. Because once we're back in Remnant you'll be all by yourself.

[ She just shakes her head and walks away. That's right, she's walking away while he's talking. Deal with that, Jacques. She's done listening to someone who doesn't at least extend her the same courtesy.. and though she doesn't say it, if Jacques were right, Klein wouldn't have been the one to open the servant's corridor for her so long as Jacques signed his paychecks. But Weiss actually values her family- she wouldn't sell Klein out like that. ]

Enjoy the rest of the concert, Mayor Schnee!

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video; also on television and in person if you're in nova city

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